Opponents to the name change questioned the need for a new title after a century of county government, saying voters should have been given the final say.

Commissioner Jess Santamaria, who opposed the change, repeated his mocking suggestion that if it was more recognition that his fellow commissioners wanted, they should consider making the title "king or lord or master."

"It's really nonsense," Santamaria said. "The way to get recognition and respect is by behavior … not by titles."

In Palm Beach County, the County Commission chairman has run commission meetings, had a bigger say in what issues the commission takes up and represented the county at ceremonial events — from ribbon cuttings to presidential visits.

In recent years, commissioners have taken turns serving one-year each as chairman, with the vice-chairman being next in line.

Now those same duties and procedures remain, but the titles change. In addition to Abrams new title, Commissioner Priscilla Taylor changed from "vice chairwoman" to "vice mayor."

Union leaders, community activists and some commissioners last month spoke out against the name change, prompting the commission to hold off on the switch to "mayor."

But this week, the influential Palm Beach County Voters Coalition endorsed the name change as did the firefighters and paramedics union IAFF Local 2928.